Freemasonry: How Far Does It Go Back? 1510 A.D.?

I wrote a piece a few weeks ago about an ancient lodge room found in Pompeii that received a lot of favorable comment.  I thought I'd explore that question of how long Freemasonry has been around a little further.

I'm sure there are a lot of Freemasons out there that will recognize this painting by Hieronymous Bosch (circa 1510) called The Wayfarer.  It was featured on the cover of a very popular book amongst Freemasons--A Pilgrim's Path by John Robinson. 

The painting is interesting because it goes back to the sixteenth century, and it seems to incorporate Masonic themes--many are very obvious. John Robinson pointed many of these out in his book, like the brace on the fence that looks a lot like a square. The Wayfarer's attire also suggests Masonic influence.  He's wearing a slipper on one foot, and his pants leg is rolled up.  He has a plumb-bob in his hat instead of a feather (which is believed to have been a Masonic working tool in the past).  Even the way the straps of his backpack come across his shoulders is suggestive to Masons.  John Robinson wrote more about his painting and the Masonic symbolism it contained here. 

But I think it's pretty obvious by this painting that Freemasonry was alive and well in 1510.

~TEC

Masonic Ink

Like I've said before, when it comes to merchandise featuring Masonic symbols, there's a wide variety to choose from--there's coffee mugs, cuff links, rings, briefcases, boxer shorts, t-shirts, jackets, hats, neckties . . . you name it.  Those Masonic marketplaces at Grand Lodge meetings and Scottish Rite functions are very popular places for Masons.

However, there are a lot of Freemasons (especially those younger members we often refer to as Millenial Masons) that are showing their dedication to the craft by getting inked.  In fact, there are entire sites out there dedicated to Masonic tattoos--like Masonic Ink.  I got surfing over the weekend and ran across this photo--of all the tattoos I saw, this was the one that I found the most remarkable.  If you click on it, and look at the larger image, you'll see there are a lot of small details included.

So, if a nice polo shirt or belt buckle from the Masonic marketplace just won't do it for you, there is a more permanent way to show your dedication to the fraternity--I probably won't be seeing you there, however.

~TEC

Freemasonry Video Contest Winner: From Darkness To Light

I thought this was a terrific video. It's the winner of the second annual video contest hosted by the Grand Lodge of California F & A M.  Participants in the contest were asked to answer the question: What does Masonry mean to you?

The winner, Culver City Foshay Lodge No. 467, produced this marvelous video.  Congratulations!



~TEC

Freemason Trivia: Constitutional Union Party of 1860

Campaign Poster (1860)
Constitutional Union Party

 

Bro. John Bell
King Solomon Lodge No. 6, TN

During the hotly contested election of 1860, a third party was formed to go up against Abraham Lincoln--The United States Constitution Union Party.  The party was formed by former Whigs and Know-Nothings by former United States Senator (TN) and Speaker of the House, John Bell. 


Bro. Samuel Houston
Holland Lodge No. 36, LA

John Bell sought the nomination, and in the end finally received it after a second ballot.  He had a little more competition for the nomination from within the new party than he had anticipated--namely from the larger-than-life governor (and former President) of Texas, Samuel Houston.

Of course, in the end, the fractured Democatic Party and the Constitutional Union Party had little chance of succeeding against Abraham Lincoln and the mostly united Republican party that dominated the North. 

But the interesting thing to note, is that both John Bell, and Samuel Houston were Freemasons.

~TEC